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Completing PIP AR1 Form - Specifically How Often Do You Need Help
- BellaD50
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1 day 16 minutes ago #312905 by BellaD50
Completing PIP AR1 Form - Specifically How Often Do You Need Help was created by BellaD50
Hi,
Apologies for asking this question if it's already been covered and in my distress at having to complete the AR1 form I've missed seeing it on here, but I wanted to ask for some advice on completing the repeated question "how often do you need help", which is asked on every activity.
I have Bipolar and experience long periods of very low moods and shorter periods of very high ones, and I'm struggling with trying to put a number on how often I need help. Sometimes it's every day during these periods, sometimes it's 4 or 5 times a week, sometimes it's just a couple of days a week; it can vary every time. Any advice would be much appreciated as I'm wondering if it's me, or if the form isn't really designed for mental health issues.
Thank you.
Apologies for asking this question if it's already been covered and in my distress at having to complete the AR1 form I've missed seeing it on here, but I wanted to ask for some advice on completing the repeated question "how often do you need help", which is asked on every activity.
I have Bipolar and experience long periods of very low moods and shorter periods of very high ones, and I'm struggling with trying to put a number on how often I need help. Sometimes it's every day during these periods, sometimes it's 4 or 5 times a week, sometimes it's just a couple of days a week; it can vary every time. Any advice would be much appreciated as I'm wondering if it's me, or if the form isn't really designed for mental health issues.
Thank you.
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- BIS
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1 hour 5 minutes ago #312925 by BIS
Nothing on this board constitutes legal advice - always consult a professional about specific problems
Replied by BIS on topic Completing PIP AR1 Form - Specifically How Often Do You Need Help
Hi BellaD50
I think most people think the form isn't designed for them and their difficulties, and in many ways, they are right. You have a fluctating condition - but the fact is that you always have Bipolar. Clearly, I don't know how it affects you - but here is my thoughts. If you try and explain that you have certain periods of time when you are seriously depressed and others when you are in a state of euphoric mania and you try and break it down in numbers - it becomes complicated.
In my experience, when people with bipolar are on a high, they actually often need help but don't recognise it, because they seem so capable, and it is a different type of support that may be needed from when they are low. This is not an exact science, and I think you can truthfully say that you need support for your condition the majority of the time - say five or six out of seven days - which, if you look at a whole year, is accurate.
Also, remember you can always say you need support, but you don't currently have any or as much as you need. I know you worry about trying to paint an accurate picture, but try not to overthink it and overexplain in a way that isn't necessary.
BIS
I think most people think the form isn't designed for them and their difficulties, and in many ways, they are right. You have a fluctating condition - but the fact is that you always have Bipolar. Clearly, I don't know how it affects you - but here is my thoughts. If you try and explain that you have certain periods of time when you are seriously depressed and others when you are in a state of euphoric mania and you try and break it down in numbers - it becomes complicated.
In my experience, when people with bipolar are on a high, they actually often need help but don't recognise it, because they seem so capable, and it is a different type of support that may be needed from when they are low. This is not an exact science, and I think you can truthfully say that you need support for your condition the majority of the time - say five or six out of seven days - which, if you look at a whole year, is accurate.
Also, remember you can always say you need support, but you don't currently have any or as much as you need. I know you worry about trying to paint an accurate picture, but try not to overthink it and overexplain in a way that isn't necessary.
BIS
Nothing on this board constitutes legal advice - always consult a professional about specific problems
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